Can anyone talk to me about the history of the Burns branch...what industries it served, who ran it, when it was abandoned, whether there is any track or structures left in place. Thanks in advance.
Here's a good reference:
http://www.trainweb.org/highdesertrails/up.html (scroll down to Burns Branch)
The Burns Branch connected with the Oregon & Northwestern Railroad in Burns:
http://www.trainweb.org/highdesertrails/onw.html
The line was first shut down in 1984 when Malheur Lake rose and flooded the line. The line was rebuilt but by that time the damage was done, the shippers in Burns disappeared thanks to logging restrictions that supplied the line's traffic. And the newly rebuilt line was abandoned.
The ROW and numerous bridges still remain; I believe the Burns depot still exists. The line still exists as part of the Wyoming & Colorado Railroad; about 30 miles or so:
http://www.trainweb.org/highdesertrails/wyco.html